Atlanta’s Best Skateboard Shops

Some of Atlanta’s myriad skate, sports and board shops simply stand head and shoulders above the others and shred the competition. Their selection of items and accessories make them wildly popular with both extreme and recreational skateboarders. This is the cream of Atlanta’s skate shop crop.

Stratosphere Skateboards has been a Little Five Points icon since it was opened in the ’90s. It has moved a couple of times since it was initially opened, but remains in the heart of a neighborhood known for its culture and bargain hunting. It says as much about the neighborhood’s character as the neighborhood says about it. The staff is more than just helpful and knowledgeable, each staffer brings advice and extensive gear knowledge to every customer interaction.

Woody’s Halfpipe sites outside the city perimeter, but don’t let that fool you. The store still has a great selection of merchandise despite its suburban locale. With Woody’s, you can find the gear you want for whatever interest you have, and sign up for lessons or go try it out right away at Woody’s pipe and course outside the store. Brook Run, which houses the shop, is also one of Atlanta’s best skate parks.

This Sandy Springs store has been around since 2000 to fulfill north Atlantans’ and Sandy Springs residents’ skateboarding needs. Located less than a mile from I-285, it’s the sort of grungy skate shop true board lovers trust for expert advice. Staff here doesn’t focus so much on having a wide catch-all selection as much as having a premium selection to give customers the best products available.

Skate Escape is conveniently located right near Piedmont Park in midtown Atlanta. In addition to its wide selection of boards, Skate Escape also works with novice and expert boarders to build custom pieces for its customers. It also offers rentals bikes, skates and boards to those who want to give the park a whirl without laying down a bunch of cash on a custom purchase.

Ambush Boarding sits right near Town Center Mall, and promises a focus on customers over everything else. The staff here knows boards and gear, and gives boarders the opportunity to find the best, instead of the most expensive, fit every time.

Michael Francis is a freelance writer studying at Georgia State University. His work can be found at Examiner.com.